India on top, as bowlers restrict Australia to 133/6 at stumps on Day 3 in Melbourne

By
Sneha Roy
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0

Melbourne: After gaining a lead of 131 runs, India produced a fine bowling display, with each of their five bowlers picking up a wicket at least, to reduce Australia to 133/6 by stumps on day three of 2nd Test on Monday (December 28).

India strengthened their grip on the Test match after a good day with the ball saw them take six Australia wickets before the hosts could erase the deficit. At stumps on day three, Australia had a slender lead of just two runs with four wickets in hand.

India struck early in their bowling innings when a peach from Umesh Yadav had Joe Burns — the Australia opener had looked all at set against Jasprit Bumrah and barely survived an LBW decision — caught behind.

However, the Indian pacer was soon off the field as he picked up a bout of cramps. Despite losing Umesh early, India were relentless in applying pressure on the hosts. Mohammad Siraj and R Ashwin tested the Aussie batters and it finally led to a wicket when Marnus Labuschagne edged the off-spinner to first slip.

Matthew Wade and Steve Smith survived a few jittery moments but before they could put together a solid partnership, Ajinkya Rahane called on his strike bowler, Jasprit Bumrah just before lunch. While he didn’t strike immediately, post the break, Bumrah had Smith bowled around his legs.

With the big guns back in the hut, India went on to dent Australia further. Jadeja had Wade trapped in front, bringing an end to a 137-ball vigil. Siraj struck from the other end, removing Travis Head with a good delivery.

Before Australia could get a breather, Jadeja had Tim Paine caught behind, overturning an on-field call to send the skipper back. Pat Cummins and Cameron Green saw them through to stumps, but Australia will know that they will need a massive effort from the tail to test India on Tuesday.

Earlier in the day, Australia broke the century stand between Jadeja and Rahane by running the latter out. Jadeja, on 49, dabbed to point and in an attempt to sneak a quick single, India lost the centurion, Rahane, who was run out at the striker’s end.

While Jadeja brought up his half-century soon after, India added just 32 more runs for the final four wickets. With a healthy lead of 131 in the bag, India had things going their way as they went in to bowl and further put themselves in a strong position to win the Test after a solid bowling show.

Brief scores: Australia 195 & 133/6 (Matthew Wade 40, Marnus Labuschagne 28; Ravindra Jadeja 2-25) lead India 326 (Shubman Gill 45, Ajinkya Rahane 112, Ravindra Jadeja 57; Pat Cummins 2-80, Mitchell Starc 3-78) by 2 runs.

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